An artist's impression of the original designs for Theale Lakes. Credit:getreading

by Tevye Markson

An inquiry into a controversial housing plan at Theale Lake had to be put on hold due to new information which claimed the site has a "very high flood risk".

An eight-day planning inquiry into the 225-home plan from Berfield Ltd at Burghfield Sailing Club in Hangar Road, Theale, was being held at West Berkshire Council's offices, but has now been adjourned until January.

On the first day of the inquiry, new information emerged from the Environment Agency which suggested a large part of the site may be in a high risk flood zone.

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Carol Jackson-Doerge, ward councillor for Burghfield and chairman of West Berkshire Council, told getreading: “It was the right thing to do to give all the parties the opportunity to look at the new information that came forward.

“The experts in the field are there to advise us on both sides of the party. The Environment Agency have come out with some evidence that needs to be reviewed on both sides.

“The evidence only came in the night before the inquiry began.

"It is a very important decision that needs to be looked at for the benefit of our whole community.”

It was previously thought that most of the development was in Flood Zone 1, where the risk is low, but the new information suggests much of it is located in the high risk Flood Zone 3B.

The Government Planning Inspector conducting the hearing on Monday, September 17 concluded that in fairness to all parties an adjournment was necessary.

It was agreed the inquiry would resume on Tuesday, January 2019, sitting for 10 days until Wednesday, February 6.

The Planning Inspectorate launched an inquiry after developer Berfield Ltd appealed against West Berkshire Council's decision to refuse planning permission for the controversial development which included 24 floating homes.

The development, known as Burghfield Park, included plans for flood alleviation work, drainage and new facilities for Burghfield Sailing Club, as well as a new bridge over Kennet and Avon Canal.